The Evolving Face of HIV: APHA Co-Founder Yvette Raphael Discusses Treatment, Longevity, and the Road Ahead on 702 [Podcast]
- Apha News
- 13 hours ago
- 1 min read
The narrative around HIV has shifted profoundly over the last few decades - moving away from a narrative of despair to one defined by survival, quality of life, and long-term health.
Recently, APHA Co-Founder and Executive Director Yvette Raphael joined Gugs Mhlungu on Weekend Breakfast on 702for an insightful conversation exploring "The evolving face of HIV: From treatment to longevity."
In the interview, Raphael delved into the critical milestones that have shaped South Africa's HIV response. Key discussion points included:
The Shift to Longevity: Thanks to widespread access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), people living with HIV are living long, full, and healthy lives. This reality shifts the public health focus from merely managing acute illness to addressing long-term holistic wellness, aging with HIV, and managing secondary health conditions.
The Power of Prevention and Treatment: Raphael emphasised the ongoing need to keep the basket of HIV prevention tools full and accessible—ensuring that communities have choices ranging from modern antiretrovirals to barrier methods.
Tackling Persistent Stigma: Despite massive scientific leaps forward, social stigma remains a primary barrier to regular testing, care adherence, and open conversations about sexual health. Raphael highlighted why humanising the statistics and centering the lived experiences of vulnerable groups remains as vital today as it was decades ago.
As we look to the future of public health in South Africa, conversations like these remind us of how far we have come - and how much work remains to ensure equity, dignity, and care for all.
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